Managing Health Care Today

Today, health care is difficult to maneuver for the old and young, alike.

My parents had health issues to deal with since the fall of 2019. But, 2021 was the real problem. Between the nightmare of registering for COVID vaccines using only online systems in January and a lengthy hospitalization in September which required investigation into nursing home placement and long-term care benefits, it stretched even the best of my abilities as a former nurse.

Now, we find that our sons, all young adults, need help maneuvering the health care system. From signing up for a provider to finding insurance through the marketplace for self-employment to figuring out an employer’s plans, it takes a village to figure it all out. Luckily, my husband and I both have a background in healthcare and can assist if needed.

Lately, that assistance has been needed for all three of our sons. ranging from 27 to 20 years of age, have different situations and needs for health insurance as well as differences in obtaining their benefits. It is no longer a one size fits all system.

It used to be that you’d graduate from high school and go to college and continue on your parent's health care plan or get the plan offered to you as a student. Once you were gainfully employed, whether that be right after high school or after college, you’d opt into the health care plan your employer was offering. The human resource staff walked you through your benefits package and you signed up.